Beginning at 5 p.m., Griffins players, coaches and front office staff will walk rescued dogs for pledges collected by members of the Grand Rapids Griffins Booster Club. All animal lovers are encouraged to attend, with or without a dog to walk, and enjoy a host of activities that begin at 4:30 p.m.:

• Live Music – Fans will enjoy music from the Hawks and Owls;
• BBQ – Provided by Smokey Bones Bar and Fire Grill between 4:30-8 p.m.;
• Hay Rides – Enjoy a hay ride around Mackenzie’s property;
• Puppy Pumpkin Decorating – Create a puppy face using paint, pumpkins and other fun materials;
• K-9 Costume Contest – Best-dressed dog wins a prize;
• Pet Experts and Vendors – A variety of animal professionals and pet vendors will be available to share information about their services and answer questions about your pet needs;
• Auction – Silent auction, featuring items ranging from spa packages and Bissell vacuums, to celebrity-signed merchandise and local restaurant gift certificates;
• Live Auction – An autographed Jimmy Howard stick and signed Griffins and Red Wings jerseys will be up for live auction;
• Caricature Artists – Get a caricature painted of you and your furry friend;
• Microchipping – From 5-7:30 p.m., have your dog microchipped for $20 with the “Home Again” anti-migration chip;
• Bake Sale – Snack on a delicious treat or get one to take home;
• Petting Zoo – Fans are welcome to enjoy a petting zoo presented by Farm Animals on the Go!

Fans wishing to participate in the walk-a-thon are encouraged, but not required, to collect pledges for the event. For those unable to collect pledges, or those simply wanting to attend, there is a $10 entry fee per person. Children three and under are free. Fans can help the Griffins raise money for Mackenzie’s by making a pledge for their favorite player at firstgiving.com/grandrapidsgriffins.

Fans bringing a dog to walk must register their dog and present proof of healthcare and vaccinations. Early registration begins at 4:30 p.m., or fans can visit griffinshockey.com to download both the pledge collection and dog walk registration forms.

Last year’s inaugural event helped raise $15,000 to support Mackenzie’s Animal Sanctuary, which remains the Midwest’s largest no-kill sanctuary, dedicated to providing a “home along the way” for dogs in need.